PEARL – Installing Your Devices for Accuracy and Success
Best practices for mounting PEARL people counting sensors for accurate traffic measurement and reliable performance.
Table of Contents
Overview
Proper installation of your PEARL sensors is critical for accurate people counting. Follow these guidelines to ensure reliable performance.
Installation Guidelines
1. Mounting Height
54" high → to count adults only (ideally at shoulder height)
24" high → to count adults and children.
2. Distance Between Devices
Install PEARL devices no more than 15 ft apart.
If the sensors are exposed to direct sunlight, reduce the distance to 7 ft apart for best performance.
3. Alignment
Align the devices so the two “eyes” at the bottom are facing each other perfectly straight (Tip: SMS logos should be facing each other).
Ensure there are no obstructions (e.g., door handles, signage, fixtures) between them.
Remember: PEARL is a beam-breaking solution – any obstruction will cause the beam to be blocked and lead to incomplete counts.
Learn more about PEARL blockage here: Pearl Sensors Blocked
4. Device Positioning
The Main unit must always be installed on the left side of the entrance (from inside the store looking out).
The Secondary unit must always be installed on the right side of the entrance (from inside the store looking out).
Installing the units on the wrong sides will cause inaccurate counting results.
5. Door Compatibility
- Outward-opening doors: PEARL works with doors opening outwards
-
Inward-opening doors: It can also work in entrances with doors opening inward, as long as it’s mounted beyond the door swing, inside the location.
- Otherwise, there will be a risk of false or missed counts.
✅ Following these installation best practices will ensure your PEARL sensors deliver accurate and reliable traffic counting data.
FAQ
Q: What are the limitations and exclusions of warranty for PEARLs to avoid out-of-scope usage issues?
A: Learn more about PEARL Out-of-Scope Usage
Q: I get notifications that my PEARLs are blocked
A: Please see the following article to learn more about what can contribute to blocked/obstructed PEARLs
Q: What if I have automated doors?
A: Learn more about PEARL Usage with Automated Doors
Q: Does PEARL work outdoors?
A: PEARLS are NOT weatherproof
Q: What happens if my PEARL sensors are misaligned?
A: Misalignment will lead to missed or false counts. Always ensure the sensors are level and directly facing one another.
You will receive “Blockage Alert” emails.
Q: If PEARLs are installed at an entrance that is wider than a single door, is there a chance of missed counts?
A: Yes. At wider entrances (example14 ft), there is a higher risk of missed counts. This can happen if multiple people walk through side by side — for example, one person walking directly between the main and secondary unit will break the beam, but others walking closely alongside will not be detected.
